The FY 2027 H-1B cap registration window is officially open. Employers now have the opportunity to submit electronic registrations for foreign professionals they wish to sponsor.

This period moves quickly and preparation matters. Even though the registration process itself is short, the decisions made during these weeks can determine whether a candidate has the opportunity to file a full H-1B petition later this year.

At Garvish Immigration Law Group, we are already working with employers and professionals to make sure registrations are submitted accurately and on time.

Below is a quick overview of what to expect now that the registration period has begun.

Key Dates for the FY 2027 H-1B Season

The H-1B cap registration period runs for just over two weeks.

  • Registration Opened: March 4, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
  • Registration Closes: March 19, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET

During this window, employers or their legal representatives must submit an electronic registration through the USCIS online system for each beneficiary they want to sponsor.

The registration fee is $215 per beneficiary.

After the registration period closes, USCIS will conduct the lottery selection process if registrations exceed the annual cap.

Selection notifications are expected by March 31, 2026.

Only beneficiaries whose registrations are selected will be eligible to file a full H-1B petition.

What Happens After Registration

Submitting a registration is only the first step in the H-1B process.

Once the registration period closes, USCIS reviews the total number of submissions. If the number of registrations exceeds the available H-1B visas, USCIS conducts a lottery to determine which beneficiaries may move forward.

Selected beneficiaries will then have the opportunity to file a full H-1B petition during the filing window that typically begins in April.

For employers, this means gathering the required documentation and preparing the petition quickly once selections are announced.

Important Changes Affecting This H-1B Season

Several developments continue to shape the FY 2027 H-1B process.

Weighted Lottery System

If the number of registrations exceeds the annual cap, USCIS will apply a weighted lottery system.

Under this approach, wage levels may influence the likelihood of selection. Positions with higher wages may receive stronger weighting in the lottery process.

Employers should ensure the wage level associated with the role is accurate and properly documented.

Potential Additional Fee

A Presidential Proclamation issued in September 2025 introduced the possibility of a significant additional fee for certain H-1B filings.

Some employers may be required to pay an additional $100,000 before filing a full H-1B petition if their registration is selected. While this fee does not apply at the registration stage, it remains an important factor for employers planning their hiring strategies.

Why Accuracy Matters During Registration

Even though the registration process is relatively simple, mistakes can have serious consequences. Incorrect or incomplete details can lead to disqualification. 

Because of this, many employers work with immigration counsel to ensure that submissions are accurate and compliant with USCIS rules.

Once the registration window closes, new submissions are not accepted.

What Employers and Professionals Should Do Now

With the registration window open, this is the moment to confirm that all planned H-1B candidates have been properly registered.

Employers should ensure that:

  • All beneficiary registrations have been submitted
  • USCIS organizational accounts are functioning properly
  • Contact information is correct for receiving selection notifications

Foreign professionals should stay in close communication with their sponsoring employers or attorneys to monitor the status of their registration.

Final Thoughts

The H-1B visa remains one of the most important pathways for U.S. employers to hire highly skilled international talent. However, the process continues to evolve and the registration window is short.

With the FY 2027 registration period now open, timely action and careful preparation are essential.

At Garvish Immigration Law Group, we are helping employers and professionals navigate the H-1B process with clarity and strategy. If you have questions about H-1B registration, lottery selection, or alternative visa options, our team is here to help you evaluate your next steps with confidence.